tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39204392047643061932024-03-14T01:17:57.923-07:00the wedding girlJessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.comBlogger379125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-51617452662529106702015-06-11T07:52:00.003-07:002015-06-11T07:52:28.765-07:00wedding girl updatesTo all of my wonderfully faithful readers, thank you so much for stopping by my little wedding filled space over the years. Since the birth of my son, ten months ago, my world has changed! In many ways for the better, but with all of these changes I've been unable to keep up with this space that previously brought me so much joy!<br />
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I've decided to start a Mommy blog instead of changing this space into something it is not. I am still leaving this space open because I will absolutely STILL BE PLANNING WEDDINGS. Just wanted to make that very clear! If you've stumbled upon this place because you're looking for a future planner, please email me at jkavanagh.events@gmail.com<br />
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If you're looking to keep up with my adventures in Mommy land, please follow along at <a href="https://whydontyounap.wordpress.com/">why won't you nap</a>.Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-83052617346269573572015-01-12T10:57:00.001-08:002015-01-12T10:57:10.059-08:00New Year, New BlogIts no secret that I haven't been giving this space the time and energy that it deserves. Almost 6 months in and I still feel like I am struggling to find a routine that makes sense. I think we're slowly coming out of the newborn fog and entering into a very fun stage. Jack's personality shines a little brighter every day and he is so eager to see and experience things. It's so incredible to watch him discover things for the first time, although it does not leave a lot of time for much else haha. So my evenings are filled with clean up and prep for the following day, not a lot of me time. However, its time I made some me time!<br />
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2015 is upon us and I think it is high time to declare what I intend this space to be. Clearly it is no longer about weddings, while I still do offer wedding services, I just don't have the time to do the research I once did or put as much wedding love into this blog. I also don't just want it to be a journal, which is slowly what it feels like it is becoming. The only person interested in reading that would be me. So where does that leave us?<br />
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I still want this space to be about events, life's events. As I've mentioned a million times, I love hosting, I love parties and themes, I love menus and decorations, I love really dedicating some time to create an event that people will love and have fun at. Typically these days that is showers, birthday's and dinner parties. I want to inspire people to enjoy those smaller life events, because those are the things that matter. I'm also a new mom, exploring some very new territory and will of course continue discussing books and good, quality TV, like the Bachelor!<br />
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So, with all of that in mind, this blog is getting a face lift, I am determined to breathe new life into this place. I hope you will still come back and read from time to time, blogging is still a world I very much love!<br />
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Come on back tomorrow for the first part of my favorite things of 2014 series, my top 5 books!<br />
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-41370574933371205252014-12-16T16:06:00.000-08:002014-12-16T16:06:15.429-08:00Pre-Term Babies - what's up with that?!A pre-term baby is defined as birth prior to 37 weeks gestation. Typically they like you to be 40 weeks along of course, but the risks are way less if you hit the 37 week mark. I had just hit 32 weeks when my little peanut decided it was time. 75% of pre-term births are for no reason at all, while I don't know the full story on why Jack came when he did, I do know I was very lucky. When babies are born that early they could have a wide array of problems, not everything is done growing and many things need to be done on the inside! Children born at 32 weeks run the risk of a number of things, in order to take them home from the NICU they have to be able to eat on their own, maintain their own body temperature, breathe on their own and spend a minimum of 24 hours without the aid of any machinery. There are also all of the additional tests from hearing and seeing to what felt like hundreds of blood tests, to the car seat test.<br />
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Once Jack was safely out, he was whisked away quickly and immediately put on a CPAP machine, which assisted with his breathing. Luckily he only needed this machine for a few hours. He took up residence in a cozy incubator and had a feeding tube and IV placed in. I couldn't hold him until the next day, which killed me. I did get to stare at him through the glass and rub his little back, it was all so surreal. Overnight you become an expert in the medical lingo, one minute you were deciding what to have for lunch and the next you're deciding things that could impact your child for the rest of his life. Jack's main problems were feeding, as he was too small to try breast feeding or take a bottle and his little heart would sometimes pause for a second, because he had to teach himself to breath normally. They call this condition apnea, similar to what adults who suffer from sleep apnea have, the fix for this involved adding some caffeine to his feeds and of course, just being as clever as he is and teaching himself how to breathe properly. Thankfully everything on the inside seemed to be developed enough to continue growing while he was hanging out in his incubator.<br />
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I will never forget the sounds of the NICU, a lot of beeping machinery, parents and visitors talking in hushed tones, nurses popping around to assist and teach you new things every day and lots of crying nuggets. When you're in the NICU, you quickly discover crying is actually a good thing to hear, other then the obvious painful procedures, like putting in a new feeding tube, crying typically meant growth and strength. You become friends with the other parents, cheering them on, celebrating each of their milestones along with your own. Its a situation that no one ever wants to find themselves in, but you find comfort in the others experiencing it with you.<br />
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Obviously my experience was very different from the typical newborn experience. I had to learn to do things very differently then I was expecting. Every three hours Jack would need to be feed, even though it was through a tube, studies show that kangaroo care (which is simply skin to skin with the baby and parent) is the best thing you can do with a preemie. So I would take Jack's temperature, change his diaper amidst all of the wires, carefully pull him out and settle him on my chest, then the nurse would come over for the report and hook his food into his tube. We would snuggle for about an hour post feed, then I would wrap him up and place him back into his bed, allowing me about 45 minutes to pump and eat something before the process began all over again. I had to learn how to bathe him with his feeding tube in, how to remove and replace fresh wires every few days. It was an exhausting process, you're not at home bonding, you're attempting to do that in a small medical bay, on a strict schedule and forcing yourself to go home for a few hours of sleep and a shower each night is just the cherry on top.<br />
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While most newborns celebrate milestones like their first bath, first smile, sitting up etc. Our reality was celebrating Jack's first day wearing clothes, getting his feeding tube out, his first bottle, his first night out of his incubator and eventually coming home. We have now, happily, joined all of the other new parents in celebrating all of the usual amazing firsts.<br />
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I am happy to report Jack just had his 4 month check up and is very healthy. With the exception of needing extra shots during cold and flu season and having to wear a brace to correct a hip problem. He is cruising along like most 4 month olds, the doctor said you wouldn't even know he was a preemie. He is so happy, smiling all the time, almost sitting up and following everything with his huge eyes. He loves to snuggle with his giraffe and definitely knows who his parents are. We've come a long way in 4 months, our experience, while difficult and not something you dream off when you're thinking about what your life will be like as a new parent, was something we needed to go through. Our little family is thriving, Jack is a strong little fighter and will forever be our miracle babe.<br />
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-47182088580976409212014-12-13T10:15:00.002-08:002014-12-13T10:15:33.857-08:00Dear Jack,I'm finding this space is the easiest place to keep all of my thoughts, while I have no clue what methods of social media my sweet boy will be using in the future, I hope he reads my blog. I think it will give him good insight to the kind of lady his momma was when he was born and who she was long before that!<br />
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I've had a lot of time to think about the things I want to teach Jack, the man he turns into relies hugely on the kind of person I plan on raising. So here is what I want him to know...<br />
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Dear Jack,<br />
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First off, you are the most incredible gift I have ever been given. I thank God each and every day that he picked me to be your Mommy. This is by far the most important and wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I've heard how lucky Jack is to have such a caring Mom, I'm the one whose lucky though, buddy. I get the chance to know and raise such a perfect little guy. There are some very important things you need to know.<br />
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The two most important things you can aspire to be in this life are kind and happy. I truly don't care about anything else, I don't care how many sports you play, what universities or colleges you get into, how much money you make or who you chose to marry. I care if you do the right thing. I care if you're the type of person people want to be around, the type of person that puts a smile on other people's faces. I care if you pick a career and a wife that makes you happy, not someone else. I care that you try your best and meet your potential, that does not include the potential someone else has in mind, its the potential you have in your heart. You will always know, deep down inside, if you're doing the right thing, listen to that voice, that voice is right 100% of the time.<br />
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Never ever bully. This is not ever going to be tolerated. I hope that I raise you to be the guy that stands up for those who are not strong enough to stand up for themselves. Everyone is different and has insecurities, picking on those things will never make you feel better, in fact, they will make you feel worse. Building other people up and finding the good will make you feel better.<br />
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Looks are not even close to everything. When you're making friends or dating (heaven help me!) remember that it really is what's inside that counts most. Find people that make you laugh until it hurts, that like the same things as you and that value you! Because I have a feeling you're going to be pretty great. Looks fade, laughter doesn't.<br />
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There will be times where you feel alone, where you feel confused and hurt, you will have your heart broken and have to make hard decisions. This is all part of life, my love. In these instances I hope that I have done a good enough job to let you know you can always, always come to me. I will do my best to give you advice, not judge and be a sounding board. If nothing else I will give you the best hug, because sometimes, all you need is a hug from your Mom.<br />
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I hope you continue to be inquisitive and I hope you have a sense of wonder. I am watching only the beginning right now, watching you learn how to sit up on your own, grab a toy, figure out who people are, for the record, you definitely know who I am, you don't like to be away for too long. You love bright things, you love your giraffe Percy and you love to hold on to anything you can wrap your sweet, chubby little fingers around. I hope you continue to discover things, good things, like books because stories can transport you anywhere, good food (be more adventurous then your Dad and I) and most importantly the world. Your Dad and I love to travel, we haven't even scratched the surface, we are going to raise you to see new places and have new experiences, even if its a small town an hour away from home. Finding new places is exciting, visiting somewhere new presents a magic that only getting off a plane can make you feel.<br />
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Most importantly, love and be open to being loved, because there is nothing better. I look at you and wonder how my heart can even hold this much love. I hold you close on walks, smelling your sweet baby smell and feel like my heart is going to explode, seriously, how did I get so lucky? I've only known you a few short months, I am sure there will be a million other important things I want you to know, but these are the things I've been telling you so far. Yes, I talk to you about these things, I am aware you're still little and don't know what I'm saying, but who knows?<br />
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I love you so much Jack and I hope you have the most amazing life.<br />
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Love Mommy xo<br />
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-40310173409041828052014-12-11T16:12:00.002-08:002014-12-11T16:12:57.943-08:00Life with a newborn.What day is it? What time is it? When was the last time I ate? How much caffine is too much? What's that smell? What am I wearing? No, seriously, what's that smell? Did I remember to brush my hair? Makeup? What's that? Those are really just a few of the questions I ponder on a daily basis. My little peanut is a round the clock job, which I'm sure is news to no one. Honestly though, being a new parent is really just one of those things you have to live through to truly grasp. Its no secret I've been heavily neglecting my blog, I haven't even be keeping up on reading my favorite blogs or reading in general! Life has changed significantly and while I find myself wondering how the days seem to pass so quickly, sometimes so quick I don't even have time to get out of my jammies! They are so, so sweet.<br />
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Some days I genuinely wonder what I accomplished other then keeping my little nugget happy. Cleaning the bathroom, making dinner, grocery shopping, laundry...these all seem like pretty easy tasks on there own. They were all tasks I thought I would have ample time to handle as a stay at home mom. Hello! Newsflash - sometimes I should just be happy to make it to the bathroom without peeing my pants. </div>
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I like to think I have things all under control some days, I trick myself into believing we've got a bit of a schedule thing going...I'm sure if Jack could laugh in my face he would. We all know whose calling the shots here. </div>
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When I was pregnant, I was so nieve, seriously, so dumb. I honestly thought I would have time to shower, get dressed AND do my hair if I wanted too. Whatever man, I was at home, with a baby, pretty much the best thing ever, that was not going to be tough. AHAHAHA bless you pregnant Jessica, bless you. You sweet, stupid girl. This will be way harder then you thought, definitely harder then going to work every day, your commute may be shorter but the job is so much harder, however its also way more rewarding.<br />
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So here is a little message to all of those brand new mom's, ladies thinking about having babies, Mom's who've done this before but are doing it all over again and conveniently forget the craziness. THIS IS INSANE. No joke, you don't sleep, you have to eat whatever you can whenever you can, drink crazy amounts of water, embrace that faint puke smell that follows you around and be OK with the fact that, lets face it, you've looked better. But you're a Mom, which is so incredibly amazing. Seriously...it is worth all of that shit. I mean reading that last paragraph sounds insane, it does, who would you do that for?! Not an employer, that's for sure, but I can guarantee you, you'd do it for your kids. I would literally do anything for this little guy.<br />
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So pat yourselves on the back ladies, you're doing the hardest job out there and you're kicking ass. Even if it feels like you aren't, even if you don't get a raise or get to go out for fancy lunches. You get smiles and drooled on! Even if you don't get to dress up or drink your morning coffee in peace. You get to wear matching outfits with your new bestie and snuggle why drinking a cold tea you made 3 hours ago. Seriously, wouldn't trade it for the world. I will try to be better with this whole blog thing, I promise - Jack and I are on a schedule now, ya know. </div>
Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-75753524727848552402014-10-29T10:25:00.000-07:002014-10-29T10:25:23.023-07:00Falling In LoveOK, I so don't want to be that Mom, but I can't help it, I am completely head over heels in love with my baby! People swear up and down you can never know true love until you have a child of your own, they tell you before you're pregnant, but they really sell that too you while you're pregnant, probably to lessen the sting of what you experience to bring that little miracle into the world. The thing is, not only could I stare at my son for hours in complete amazement, but watching your husband love something as firecely as you do makes your heart do complete flip flops.<br />
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Every day I see a new side to Jack's personality, its incredible watching this tiny human that just slept and ate for so long, start to develop into a little boy. Here is what I know so far; Jack LOVES the morning, he really loves 5am, you know, that hour where you think you could feed him and then catch a little bit more sleep. No, no, not in Jack's world, that's when he wants to play! And I would literally stand on my head to see him smile, so if that's when he's into doing it, then forget sleep, we're heading to the playmat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning tummy time!</td></tr>
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Jack is seriously into baths. Just like his Mommy! But don't even think about a warmish bath, no no, this kid likes it hot (not dangerous ok, sheesh!) Seriously, if the water is even slightly tepid he arches his back, as if to say "remove me from here immediately woman and try again!". He also hates being taken out of the bath...screams bloody murder. I mean hey, I also hate that moment before you get the towel on! Its icy! But chill, I'm going as fast as I can. I wish someone would swaddle me, squeeze me and dry my hair, with the accompaniment of a nice head massage. He has been a bath dude since his very first bath, which is also probably my favorite hospital memory. It was the first time I really got to hold him without all of the wires. I don't think I've ever been so excited.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack's first bath!</td></tr>
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Jack really loves anything that moves. The car, his stroller, a bouncey chair. The boy is not into sitting still for long periods of time. Its pretty incredible to just walk him around the house and watch him begin to discover things, like the lights, windows, TV or anything else that catches his eye.<br />
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Jack loves to sleep with his hands above his head or holding onto something - like my hair or his own hands. This kills me, seriously, I will lay still for hours if he wants to hold my hair or hand while he sleeps. Limbs lose feeling but good god, is there anything better?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop this adorableness right now!</td></tr>
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My absolute favorite Jack trait are the little faces he makes. Its like you can read his mind, while I have seen a few smiles, most faces tend to say "Mommy, I'm not sure what you're doing or saying, but I sense that I will need therapy later on in life". Oh sweetheart, if you think I'm a big embarrassing weirdo now, just wait, I can't imagine you'll think I'm much cooler as a teenager.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A face that screams you can be embarrassed by your parents no matter what age.</td></tr>
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Its funny the things you automatically do when you're a Mom. Showers are no longer relaxing experiences, but more of a race all while trying to remind your little one that he's not been left in the house alone. Doesn't popping your head out every 30 seconds and saying "Jack, Mommy's right here buddy! Look over here!Yooohoooo" sound tranquil? Other fun mom things I've discovered are catching vomit with your hands....with. your. hands. Why that is now a natural reaction is beyond me, but anyone that is willing to be spit up on, peed and pooped on and really not be phased, must be infatuated. Possibly my favorite momism is what comes out of my mouth. Have I developed a brand new language in the last 3 months? What on earth does toastie woastie mean?! While I can't quite translate, I do say it every time I bundle him up. How about when I call him beeboo...what the heck is that?! I have no reasoning people, it just comes out of my mouth.<br />
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The last three months have been so awesome and I know the discoveries have just begun. Before I know it he will be sitting up and rolling over! I'm secretly (not so secretly since I am currently announcing it to the world) dreading the day this boy starts moving on his own...I fear he will never stop!<br />
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All kidding aside, Jack, if you ever read this, my boy, you have provided me with the most amazing, joy filled three months. I can't wait to continue to watch you grow!<br />
<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-82952578645911964212014-10-28T08:48:00.002-07:002014-10-28T08:48:16.108-07:00Top 10 Tuesday!Happy Halloween week all! I LOVE this time of year, there is just so much excitement! Plus, its almost my birthday, which even if we did nothing at all, always feels like a special day.<br />
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Since I've been home with my little peanut, we've really been trying to find our own little routine (read: I've been trying to figure out some sort of routine, he clearly doesn't care....so we run on his schedule haha) One of the more challenging things to coordinate has been eating. I know that sounds crazy, however, there have been days when I've looked at the clock, seen that its almost 5pm and realized I have not even thunk about dinner, nor have I eaten lunch! Pre baby I LOVED being in the kitchen. I also loved preparing each night for the next day, well all of that sort of went out the window with my tiny, kicking, screaming, always hungry nugget. Now that we know each other a little better, I have become an expert at racing around the house when I sense he's having a good long nap. Those good long naps are far and few between these days and my boy likes to be entertained, loves walks and moving around! So sitting for a while and watching me whip around the house is not his idea of a good time. Luckily I can always get a good chunk of time around 9pm.<br />
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So the key here is preparation, organization and easy foods that I can eat one handed haha. Some of the things I've really been enjoying are: greek yogurt, apples ('tis the season!), cheese (when don't I enjoy cheese) mini bagels (thank you target), mini apple pitas (thank you loblaws - yes, I have a small obsession with mini things! So cute!) pre cut and washed veggies, crackers, oatmeal, muffins and breakfast shakes. I learned quickly that if I didn't try to prepare these things and have them on hand, I would eat crap or not eat at all. Which would make me feel like crap, funny how that works.<br />
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For dinners, I have been really good at trying new recipes, thank you pinterest! My crockpot has been my bestie these last few weeks. Which brings me to my Top 10, here are my favorite recipes I've tried over the last few weeks:<br />
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<b><a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/06/10/glazed-apple-crumb-muffins/">Apple Crumb Muffins</a></b><br />
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*I ditched the glaze myself, I found they lasted about 5-6 days!<br />
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<b><a href="http://thefirstyearblog.com/2013/01/08/easy-banana-chocolate-chip-bread/">Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins</a></b><br />
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*This recipe is for bread, I found muffins were easier to grab, so I didn't change the recipe at all, just the baking time - approximately 23 minutes.<br />
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<b>Cinnamon French Toast Sticks</b><br />
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<b>*</b>Sweet mother, these were a treat, but didn't take long at all! And were totally easy to eat one handed, thanks to the stick formation!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2014/08/crockpot-honey-pork-and-apples/">Crockpot Honey Apple Pork</a></b><br />
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<b>Italian Chicken</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/recipes/one-pan-taco-beef-noodle-skillet-106342?crlt.pid=camp.dMnnbAqL5u3q">One Pan Taco Noodles</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/recipes/slow-cooker-loaded-baked-potato-soup-138108">Loaded Baked Potato Soup</a></b><br />
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<b>Parmesean Veggie & Chicken Penne</b><br />
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<b>*</b>I changed up the recipe for this a bit, I used penne and added in peppers and chicken. Delish! And was great the next day!<br />
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<b>Smashed Potatoes</b><br />
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<b>*</b>so easy & so yummy!<br />
<b><br /></b>And of course, when in doubt, PIZZA!<br />
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Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-82741414306382685162014-10-22T05:44:00.001-07:002014-10-22T05:44:51.942-07:00HonestyAs you all know, from previous posts, motherhood has changed my life in the best possible way. I love my little buddy more then I could ever comprehend. Motherhood has changed my day to day, my attitude around a lot of things, the way I eat, sleep and socialize. One of the biggest things that has changed, is my body.<br />
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I've never been a person that is super self conscious all the time. I would say I have the same body issues as most girls. For the most part I eat relatively well, got some exercise (walking totally counts!) and feel good about myself. Something I never took the time to consider was, in less then a year I feel like I have a whole new body.<br />
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The first time I noticed changes was, of course, when I was pregnant. I ate well, took my vitamins, tried to walk as much as possible, I used all of the oils and lotions, but the dreaded stretch marks still got me! I remember walking into my bedroom, almost in tears because I'd found a ton of them, seemingly over night. I never truly thought I would care about something so vain, but pregnancy is a funny thing. Everything happens so quickly, its like you don't really have time to comprehend that everything is changing. I'm also sure that hormones do not help these situations. My husband sat me down on the bed and comforted me in the perfect way, he reminded what was happening, he reminded me what this was all for and it was then and there that he decided we would forever call those dreaded, angry, red scars, "mommy marks". Since that conversation my body has had a million other changes, I feel like I find new ones every day! For the first little while I felt a sadness wash over me, again, I really don't know why. I would avoid mirrors, I would've showered in the dark if I wasn't so dang exhausted. I just didn't feel like me.<br />
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The day I removed my last bandage from my c-section scar I forced myself to look in the mirror. I felt beat up, sleepy and sore. As I looked at myself I realized something, yes I look very different then 10 months ago, but I felt like superwoman. For months my body created, nurtured, protected and grew a little life. It gave my son exactly what he needed, when he needed it. I was tired because he got my energy, my gums bleed because he needed calcium, I had killer heartburn because he was growing that gorgeous head of hair. I made a person. And as sucky as I sometimes feel, as much as I sometimes pine for my pre-pregnancy wardrobe, Jack just needs to grab my finger, snuggle in closer or the very best, smile at me. In those moments I remember I am someone's Mommy, I have the privilege of watching this little boy grow, learn, laugh, play and someday create a life of his very own.<br />
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So I am embracing this new body that gave me everything, I am making a promise here and now that I will lovingly take care of and allow healing time for this body that took such good care of my babe, no more getting down on myself. I hope women everywhere look at those stretch marks, extra weight, loose tummy's, sore boobs and tired faces and celebrate, because I certainly am.<br />
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-2501381475322800712014-10-21T10:52:00.003-07:002014-10-21T10:52:45.543-07:00Top 10 Tuesday!Woo wee! Getting back into a routine, knowing what day it is, getting dressed for the day, all difficult things these days haha. I am trying to diligently have time to blog, as it is something I truly love and the whole blogging community is something I've really enjoyed getting into these last few years. Speaking of that, my sister, started her own blog and it is hilarious! <a href="http://livinyourlife.blog.com/">Check it out</a> if you want a good chuckle.<br />
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I thought it would be fun to share my Top 10 Looks for the Fall. Now that I'm a full time Momma, I don't get to wear all of my beautiful office ware. I loved scouring the sale sections of Banana Republic, the Gap and JCrew for years. So my closet is full of beautiful pieces, however, those just don't work when you're hanging out with your babe, getting spit up on constantly, doing the whole mommy thing. So now I need a whole new look and believe me, I am not complaining! The mister treated me to a lovely little shopping spree at the outlets a few weeks back, what a guy! I've been struggling with my post partnum body (more on that tomorrow!) and nothing says feel good like a few new pieces!<br />
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So, without further adieu, here are my favorite Mommy looks!<br />
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All of the pieces I chose are comfy, cozy, but still cute and trendy. I'm a big believer in the classic look, so I never stray too far, my sister is a lot braver when it comes to fashion and manages to make things look so cool! How about you, did your style change when you joined the mommy club??Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-36195116415502187232014-10-07T09:01:00.000-07:002014-10-07T09:01:09.647-07:00Top 10 Tuesday!I think I've made it pretty clear in past years how I feel about the fall. It is my FAVORITE season! The smell, the pumpkin spice latte's, the decorations! I love it all! I thought I would share my current favorite fall pins, to get back in the swing of Top 10's!<br />
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-28049292384724731942014-10-02T08:30:00.002-07:002014-10-02T08:30:40.532-07:00Jack's Story Part 2!Thank you so much for all of the lovely messages from my last post :) It's certainly been a crazy roller coaster since July 29th, but all of the love we've received has helped greatly!<br />
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After the surgery was complete and they wheeled me into the NICU for a quick peek at my peanut, I was taken to a recovery room. There I got showered with hugs and kisses from my family, who were all in just as much shock as I was! The mister ran out to get some supplies and I had some time alone with my parents, I think it was that instance that I had kind of realized what just happened. I had a good cry while my Mom shoveled ice chips in my mouth. Sweet lord, I don't think I've ever been so thirsty! I was then wheeled into another room for the remainder of the evening. Sleep was no where on my radar though, sure I was exhausted, but I was also worried. Its not like I could get up and walk to see my boy, so I had to lay there and stare at the clock until the drugs wore off. We just kept looking at each other, with shocked faces saying..."we're parents now?" As much as you think about it when you're pregnant, nothing compares you for the realization that you actually have a child.<br />
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As I mentioned we spent 25 days in the NICU, I shouldn't actually say 'we', as I was discharged after 5 days in the hospital. Which meant we had to go home to sleep, shower etc. On a typical day I would be at the hospital for 8am and not leave, other then to quickly force myself to eat and get a moment of fresh air, until after midnight. And leaving...well, it was terrible and as time wore on, it only got harder. It had nothing to do with staffing, the nurses we had were truly wonderful and I knew Jack was in good hands, but it felt so unnatural. First of all, he was removed from me in such an abrupt way, then I couldn't even be with him all day and night. I'm sure my wacky hormones didn't help, but I would slip into a deep sadness around dinner time, knowing the day was coming to a close, I often just held him and cried. I know there are so many families that have to go through what I went through for longer periods of time. God bless them, its the hardest thing I've ever done, walking away from my little boy each night.<br />
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Jack progressed along very well, he was tiny but strong! He was as determined to get home as I was, I believe. After a few minor setbacks we were transferred from the big city, home to a closer hospital. That was a relief in itself, as it allowed us to sleep in our own bed! We spent just over a week and a half there until we were told we could spend the night in the care by parent room. This meant we could spend a full 24 hours with Jack off all of his monitors and machines, to ensure he was good and we were ready! I'm quite confident neither of us slept that night. After the steady beeping of machines for a month, we were not accustom to the silence, nor were we confident that Jack would be totally OK. Of course, he flew through the night completely fine, probably wondering who the two crazies were that were starring so intently at him all night.<br />
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Our first day home was amazing, no wires, no machines, no feeding tubes. Just us and our little guy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack refused to sleep all curled up, the way the nurses would place him, instead he would sprawl out...so cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack's first bath!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big day! No more feeding tube!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're going home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally HOME!</td></tr>
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-25657878241650557932014-09-26T07:53:00.000-07:002014-09-26T07:53:45.944-07:00Exciting News! (and the reason for my long silence...)Its official, I am a Mom! My little nugget, Jack, decided he couldn't wait another minute and came almost 2 months early! I am happy to report all is well and I am officially home from a long stay in the hospital.<br />
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I will share my full story over the course of a few posts, no time for novel writing these days. Man, does it ever feel good to write again though!<br />
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So, as you all know, little Jack, was due closer to the end of September. On the morning of July 29th, I felt a little off. I thought I had just pushed it to far at a wedding I did over the weekend and vowed to stay off my feet for a few days as much as possible. I continued to feel more uncomfortable throughout the day and finally called my midwife for some advice. She told me to pop by the hospital just to get checked out and make myself feel better...boy am I glad I took that advice. I headed to St. Michael's Hospital, in Toronto, met Mr. wedding girl there and proceeded to hang out for a while before getting put in a room. They hooked me up to a bunch of super exciting monitors, made me put on a backless dress (if you ever need to be brought down a few pegs, put on one of those bad boys and try to get up gracefully to use the washroom every five minutes...) and we waited. I was having, what I thought, were braxton hicks contractions, pretty normal for this time of my pregnancy. However they were coming about 10 minutes apart...which seemed odd. The nurse came in and told us she thought I was having real contractions. Pardon? What do you mean real? He's not due for 2 more months! This cannot be happening yet. I slowly calmed myself down, telling myself there is no way he is coming, this is a false alarm, they will give me something to stop labour, perhaps I'll need to be on bed rest. Finally we saw the doctor, who did an exam (not fun) and proceeded to tell me they needed to perform an emergency c-section that night...again, what??! Thank god for my husband, honestly, he was so great. He was all excitement, couldn't wait to meet our little boy. While everyone else was scared, nervous or trying to act normal, this guy couldn't wipe the smile off his face. That was my saving grace. If it wasn't for his attitude that night I would have lost it. I hate needles, exams, anything invasive, doctors procedures I don't understand and anything unplanned.<br />
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In saying that, I didn't have a birth plan in place. For once in my life, my plan was to have no plan, because I understood that you don't control your body when it comes to labour...however an emergency c-section 8 weeks out was not even on my radar. I stuck my arms out, took a bunch of shots, started an IV, listened to 10 doctors tell me everything that was about to happen and got wheeled into the operating room in a matter of minutes. It was overwhelming and scary to say the least. It was almost like having a complete out of body experience to be honest, nothing felt real, it all felt like a dream. And then, out of the noisiness of the operating room, over the doctors talking, the machines beeping and my heart practically beating out of my chest, I heard his first little cries. What a relief, there has been no better sound in this world. My little boy was out in the world and wailing away! They took him pretty quickly, before I could even see him and started working away on him.<br />
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To say it was the scariest, most surreal night of my life would be an understatement. I thank god every day that things went the way they did. Jack was born at 9:56pm, he weighed 5 lbs 4 oz. He had a full head of dark hair, just like his Mama and the most perfect face I have ever laid eyes on. I did get to see him for a moment later that evening before being wheeled out to recovery. It was a moment I will never forget.<br />
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We spent 25 long days in the hospital, which is a whole other post and are finally home and settled in. I knew being a Mom would be incredible. I had no idea just how incredible...the best part of my journey has officially begun! I hope you all stick around for the ride.<br />
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-9071602322869963782014-07-17T07:52:00.004-07:002014-07-17T07:52:52.555-07:00Trendy Thursday!OK, this is my first trendy baby post! I feel like I absolutely must share this incredible secret, that is perhaps not such a huge secret with everyone. Have you heard of <a href="http://babyli.st/index">My Baby List</a>?! This is like the mother of all registries! Seriously, so cool. I insist you check it out, but let me explain what it is. Essentially it you create the registry like you would any other registry, however you options are limitless (it feels like!) as it pulls its product from all over the internet. This allows you to have a wide variety to chose from, which is amazing, especially if you live in Canada and only have one real registry option, until now! Each product links you up to a site, so you can order it or simply click "reserve" and go and purchase it wherever you'd like. GENIUS! Pure genius I tell ya!<br />
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If you're in the market for a baby registry, have a go at it, its so much fun!<br />
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In other trendy baby news, I've recently come across these <a href="http://sollybaby.com/">Solly Baby Wraps</a> a few times. How gorgeous are they?? I am dying for the mint one myself! I feel like I could really rock that and its still gender neutral for all of my other nuggets, this is only my first after all :) Plus, I think I could even get mr. wedding girl into popping that bad boy on! It is blue after all! The thing I really like most about this product is its partnership with "Every Mother Counts". Which is a company that supports women and children all over the world, every 2 minutes a mother dies from pregnancy complications and many of these are completely preventable. This partnership is going to allow for more research and assistance to be granted to these very deserving women. I, once again, marvel at my luck to be born, raised and live in such an amazing country where we don't experience heartbreak on that level. We are so lucky. So, do yourself another favor, if you're in the market for a wrap, check out<a href="http://sollybaby.com/"> Solly Baby</a>. Prices are comparable to other brands, but your donation will go a long way :)<br />
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<i>*this is not a sponsored post, all comments and opinions are 100% my own</i>Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-52607137420923713272014-07-16T07:33:00.000-07:002014-07-16T07:33:39.001-07:00Wedi-quette WednesdayHappy Hump Day! We're motoring through this week or at least it feels like that when I realize it's Wednesday! Not so much when I am wondering if it would be easier to crawl or walk from the subway to my office. Anyways, I digress! Today, I thought I would share a fun little etiquette fact, one I've been asked recently! Do you send someone a wedding invite, even if you know they are not able to attend? The answer- Absolutely! You want people to know that they were definitely on that list, don't give them anything to ponder. At the end of the day you just know that its pretty likely not everyone will make it, but they should absolutely still be included in everything.<br />
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Sadly I will be missing my beautiful cousin's wedding this Fall in Missouri, I mean its because I'll be having a baby, that's an OK consolation prize, but I still hate missing family events. She was kind enough to send along an invite anyways and I truly appreciate still being involved.<br />
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So to make a long story short - send the invite!<br />
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<br />Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-92189445902287593782014-07-15T06:26:00.001-07:002014-07-15T06:26:19.133-07:00Top 10 Tuesday<div class="MsoNormal">
I am officially 30 weeks pregnant. Which, on the one hand
sounds completely insane, how did it come so fast?! And on the other hand, I am
ready for a wee break of carrying this little monkey around 24/7. On that note,
I’ve decided one of my BIGGEST pregnancy pet-peeves has to be when people utter
the words “just wait”. As in, you think you’re tired now? Just wait. You think
you’re not sleeping at all now? Just wait. You think you worry about him now?
Just wait. It takes every fibre of my being not to punch them in the throat…too
aggressive? Number one, I am beyond aware that this little guy isn’t just going
to pop into this world and be the picture of perfection, sleeping whenever his
Mommy is tired and needs a rest herself (or maybe he will, he is my child after
all and I’ve already given him a bit of a God complex) number two…have you
recently carried an extra 30 plus pounds that appeared overnight and squish all
of your vital organs on a daily basis? No? You’re a man and won’t ever get the
opportunity to do that? OK then, perhaps keep your comments to yourself.
At least when my buddy is here I can happily hand him over to my husband and
roll around on the ground or lay directly on my stomach for gloriously periods
of time. When my little buddy is here I can roll over in bed, get out of a chair,
exit a vehicle and get in and out of the shower without disgusting amounts of
sweating, grunting and muscle pulling. Best of all, when my buddy is here, I
will be sunggling 24/7, people. all day snuggle sessions. Just staring at him in wonder and thanking God
for this amazing gift. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In saying all of that, I really have loved being pregnant.
What an amazing journey this has been. However, as with any wonderful thing,
there are always some not so wonderful things. Because this is my blog and I
can be as honest as I’d like, I wanted to share, in my final hot-ass weeks of
pregnancy (note to self, the summer is a hard time to take on the mighty third
trimester) a few honest things, things that people don’t want to tell you. I
know I’ve already done a post similar and it was super well received. So here
we go.</div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1. Pregnant women are way more susceptible to heat.
We’re literally a human oven. So the summer humidity…not great. I spend a lot
of time sitting directly in front of a fan, in an ice cold shower or
complaining, whilst laying on my couch like a beached whale. Mr. wedding girl
spends a lot of his time choking water down my throat for fear of dehydration
(yesterday I had not one but two giant water bottles directly beside me,
expected to chug), buying me popsicles and moving the fan wherever I go. High
five Mr. wedding girl</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. Pregnancy hormones are no joke. Sometimes I like to go into the bathroom and have a good cry...for what reason? Who knows...its a real mystery.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. Your baby can literally kick your ass…feels
super weird and scared the heck out of me.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. As you get bigger you genuinely wonder how he
only weighs 3 pounds, but feels like he weighs 50 and why he likes to snuggle
your spine so aggressively, Mommy needs to be able to move bud. </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5. How do pregnant women commute?! I feel like I am taking on Everest everyday...not exaggerating at all, if you've got commuting secrets, I need to know them.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">6. Lack of breathing...oh to be able to take deep breaths again.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">7. What fits anymore?! A sheet? My husbands jammies? Are any of these things work appropriate??</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">8. How can I be craving something so aggressively, but not know what that something is? Again...mysteries.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">9. What does he look like? Is that his head or his bum that he is jabbing out of my side? Foot or hand? And other fun questions, that always seem to follow.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">10. Pregnancy dreams...enough said.</span></div>
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Because I am such a positive Patti, I'd like to end things on a less negative, beached whale note. It hits me harder and harder everyday that in 10 weeks (ish) I am going to have a son. A son! ME! A real little buddy that is going to depend on me for just about everything. I can't wait to meet my little guy, my new best friend, my little cuddle buddy. Woo hoo! Happy 3rd Trimester to me! And to those ladies that have been pregnant or are pregnant, good for you! Seriously, I commend you! You don't get enough credit, go have a lukewarm bath, roll yourself out of the tub, put on a mumu, gather a weird assortment of food and have a nap, you deserve it.</div>
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Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-13006249369620153152014-07-02T12:19:00.001-07:002014-07-02T12:19:56.062-07:00Wedi-quette WednesdayWell its official! Summer has arrived! And she's brought humidity along with her! I've learned the hard way that being pregnant means being extra hot...ALL. THE. TIME. So this weather has just not been my friend! I thought, to torture myself more, I would share some of my favorite wedding or shower appropriate dresses, t'is the season! Hopefully everything is equally as cute next summer, because I am sure that I will have the time and energy to wear a ton of cute dresses, whilst chasing after my sure to be active little nugget!<br />
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As you can see, I am a fan of bright and flowy for the most part! Even the gorgeous grey dress is paired with a fabulous bright orange heel! And tight in the summer? No thanks! I want to feel super comfy, while feeling put together and pretty! How about you?? What are your summer faves?Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-67590940884174535522014-06-25T13:23:00.001-07:002014-06-25T13:23:38.299-07:00Wedi-quette Wednesday!Now that I am officially almost at the seven month mark (how!??) in my pregnancy, I feel like a bit more of a pro when it comes to all things pregnancy. The birth and what comes after? That goodness will have to come to me the same way this pregnancy did, a bit of a happy surprise that hurtles you into an arena somewhat akin to the Hunger Games. You have an idea about whats going to happen, people have told you stories, but until you battle the intense exhaustion, million daily pee breaks, lack of sleep, hormones and so many body changes, I feel like I don't even have time to list them all, you have no real clue. And people, some of them are downright weird...the things we do for kids, I tell ya!<br />
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I have really loved being pregnant. Its been quite a journey that's for sure. There are some not so fun moments where you wonder just what you've gotten yourself into, feeling completely out of control when it comes to your own body is a tough pill to swallow, the backaches, leg cramps (that will have you literally waking from a dead sleep in a sweaty panic wondering if you're paralyzed and may involve some punching of your also sleeping, certainly wide awake now husband, like I said, I've kept things interesting). But the good certainly outweighs the bad and I haven't even gotten to the best part. Feeling him move and grow and kick and hiccup, talking to him daily, buying him the sweetest little things that I can't bare to live without, knowing that in 3 short months I am going to have a little boy that will completely steal my heart, have me wrapped around his hopefully chubby hand and be my little sidekick is worth every uncomfortable awkward moment I've had thus far. </div>
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Thinking about all of the things I am going to teach him, the childhood I want him to experience, the man I hope he becomes, all of these things bring me so much overwhelming joy, I just know I am absolutely ready for this amazing journey. Is it going to be hard, scary, trying and overwhelming some days? You know it! Will I wonder what the hell I've created some days, I'm sure I will, but this is what life is all about! I know there are so many amazing things that happen in this life, so many great opportunities and YOLO moments, but this stuff, creating a family, this is the good stuff. </div>
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I cannot wait to kiss his little face and force cuddle him on the daily! I'm quite positive his future wife will one day thank me for the snuggly man I've created. (If he ever reads this, I am sure he will be MORTIFIED). Thanks for coming along on this carb filled journey of stretchy pants and wonderfulness!<br />
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Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-68204546714648556632014-06-24T12:13:00.001-07:002014-06-24T12:13:08.292-07:00Top 10 Tuesday & an apology!Seriously, where on earth does the time go?! Since starting my new job 2 weeks ago I honestly don't even know what day it is anymore, event season does that to a gal! However, I feel like I'm getting my footing and starting to figure things out and feel more on track and organized!<div>
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This past weekend was a beautiful event filled one! Marking the wedding of Bonnie and Micheal, as well as my final big Relay for Life. Bonnie and Michael's wedding was made of the stuff I'm always talking about on here. Pure love and highlighted all of the right things! The focus was definitely on the couple, the day went off without a hitch, the weather held up beautifully and it was so enjoyable to watch them dance the night away with their family and friends.</div>
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Now we're moving steadily into the summer and it feels like the fall and my little buddy will be here before I know it! So I am trying to soak up all of these beautiful summer moments, before life changes pretty majorly for me. </div>
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I thought it would be fitting to share my Top 10 Summer Inspirations. I've tried to keep them pretty versatile in terms of the many different events you could be hosting! I'm going to do a special post on Thursday with my Canada Day inspirations! You see so many gorgeous American blogs, with all of their Fourth of July goodness, I've come up with my ode to Canada. </div>
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Obviously, to me, summer means a lot of colours, sunshine and freshness! I have been SUPER into fruit this whole pregnancy, holy lord, some day's I feel like I could polish off a whole watermelon! Sadly no watermelon for me this week, I went grocery shopping (one of my all time favorite things to do, by the way!) without the mister and could not jam my belly far enough into the watermelon crate to grab myself one, it was a sad day. This weekend I will not make that mistake!</div>
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I hope you're all having a fabulous week and promise not to disappear again!</div>
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Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-15129225409189053022014-06-11T06:33:00.000-07:002014-06-11T06:33:57.808-07:00Wedi-quette WednesdayIs there anything better then a gorgeous sunny day, with a warm breeze and all the time in the world to lounge in your own backyard with a good book?! With all of the opportunities to enjoy some good outdoor time and travelling the summer has to offer, it often makes it one of the best times to read a good chicky book! I mean, they're called beach reads for a reason!<br />
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So here is what is in my pile these days!<br />
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<strong>The Heiresses, Sara Shepard</strong><br />
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<em>Amazon description: </em><br />
From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, comes The Heiresses—a novel about the Saybrooks, a diamond family blessed with beauty and fortune yet plagued by a string of tragic and mysterious deaths.<br />
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The only thing more flawless than a Saybrook’s solitaire is the family behind the diamond empire. Beauties, entrepreneurs, debutantes, and mavens, the Saybrooks are the epitome of high society. Anyone would kill to be one of them. But be careful what you wish for, because if you were a Saybrook, you’d be haunted by secrets and plagued by a dark streak of luck.<br />
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Tragedy strikes the prominent family yet again on a beautiful morning in May when thirty-four-year-old Poppy, the most remarkable Saybrook of them all, flings herself from the window of her office. Everyone is shocked that someone so perfect would end her own life—until her cousins receive an ominous warning: One heiress down, four to go.<br />
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Was it suicide . . . or murder? And who will be next: Aster, the beautiful but reckless girl who’s never worked a day in her life—and who’s covering up her father’s darkest secret? Her older sister, Corrine, whose meticulously planned future is about to come crashing down around her? Perhaps it will be Natasha, the black sheep of the family who suddenly disinherited herself five years ago. Or maybe the perpetually single Rowan, who had the most to gain from her cousin’s death.<br />
A gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller about heiresses who must uncover a dark truth about their family before they lose the only thing money can’t buy: their lives.<br />
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As you know I LOVE Pretty Little Liars and Ms. Shepard is the genius behind that series, so SIGN ME UP! I think this is what I will read next :)<br />
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<strong>The City of Heavenly Fire, by Cassandra Clare</strong><br />
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<em>Amazon description: </em>Shadowhunters and demons square off for the final showdown in the spellbinding, seductive conclusion to the #1 <em>New York Times</em> bestselling Mortal Instruments series.<br />
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Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian—but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance…<br />
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Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world will change. Who will survive the explosive sixth and final installment of the Mortal Instruments series?<br />
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I am reading this 700 page bad boy right now and it does not disappoint! If you've loved the shadowhunter series so far, you will adore this gem! Anyone else sad to see this series end?<br />
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<strong>Bridget Jones: On the Edge of Reason, by Helen Fielding</strong><br />
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<em>Amazon description: </em><strong>Bridget Jones is back!</strong>When Helen Fielding first wrote <em>Bridget Jones' Diary</em>, charting the life of a 30-something singleton in London in the 1990s, she introduced readers to one of the most beloved characters in modern literature. The book was published in 40 countries, sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and spawned a best-selling sequel, <em>Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason</em>. The two books were turned into major blockbuster films starring Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth.<br />
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With her hotly anticipated third installment, <em>Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy</em>, Fielding introduces us to a whole new enticing phase of Bridget's life set in contemporary London, including the challenges of maintaining sex appeal as the years roll by and the nightmare of drunken texting, the skinny jean, the disastrous e-mail cc, total lack of Twitter followers, and TVs that need 90 buttons and three remotes to simply turn on. <br />
An uproariously funny novel of modern life, <em>Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy</em> is a triumphant return of our favorite Everywoman.<br />
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I love chick flicks and I loved the Bridget Jones series, so I am pumped to have this little beauty anxiously awaiting my arrival!<br />
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<strong>The Matchmaker, by Elin Hilderbrand</strong><br />
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<em>Amazon description: </em><strong>A touching new novel from bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand in which a woman sets out to find love for those closest to her - before it's too late.</strong> <br />
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48-year-old Nantucketer Dabney Kimball Beech has always had a gift for matchmaking. Some call her ability mystical, while others - like her husband, celebrated economist John Boxmiller Beech, and her daughter, Agnes, who is clearly engaged to the wrong man - call it meddlesome, but there's no arguing with her results: With 42 happy couples to her credit and all of them still together, Dabney has never been wrong about romance. <br />
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Never, that is, except in the case of herself and Clendenin Hughes, the green-eyed boy who took her heart with him long ago when he left the island to pursue his dream of becoming a journalist. Now, after spending 27 years on the other side of the world, Clen is back on Nantucket, and Dabney has never felt so confused, or so alive. <br />
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But when tragedy threatens her own second chance, Dabney must face the choices she's made and share painful secrets with her family. Determined to make use of her gift before it's too late, she sets out to find perfect matches for those she loves most. <em>The Matchmaker</em> is a heartbreaking story about losing and finding love, even as you're running out of time.<br />
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An Elin Hilderbrand book for the cottage? SIGN ME UP<br />
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<strong>The One and Only, by Emily Giffin</strong><br />
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<em>Amazon description: </em><strong>In her eagerly awaited new novel, beloved <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author Emily Giffin returns with an extraordinary story of love and loyalty—and an unconventional heroine struggling to reconcile both.</strong><br />
Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas—a small college town that lives and dies by football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker’s legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade.<br />
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But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea’s comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she’s chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most—and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.<br />
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Thoughtful, funny, and brilliantly observed, <em>The One & Only</em> is a luminous novel about finding your passion, following your heart, and, most of all, believing in something bigger than yourself . . . the one and only thing that truly makes life worth living. <br />
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Nerd alert, I bought tickets to an Emily Giffin event, which is finally happening next week! I have had to physically restrain myself from buying this book for the past 3 weeks! It is everywhere! I am so excited to get my hot little hands on my copy!<br />
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<strong>All Fall Down, by Jennifer Weiner</strong><br />
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<em>Amazon description: </em>New from #1 <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author Jennifer Weiner<br />
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Allison Weiss got her happy ending—a handsome husband, an adorable little girl, a job she loves, and a big house in the suburbs. But when she’s in the pediatrician’s office with her daughter and a magazine flips open to a quiz about addiction, she starts to wonder whether her use of prescription pills is becoming a problem. On the one hand, it’s just prescription medication, the stuff her doctors give her. Is a Percocet at the end of a hard day really different than a glass of wine? Is it such a bad thing to pop a Vicodin after a brutal Jump & Pump class…or after your husband ignores you?<br />
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Back in the car, with her daughter safely buckled behind her, Allison opens the Altoid tin in her purse and slips a chalky white oval underneath her tongue. The pill unties her knotted muscles, erases the grime and ugliness of the city, soothes her as she frets about the truth of her looking-good life: that her husband’s becoming distant, that her daughter is acting out, that her father’s early Alzheimer’s is worsening and her mother’s barely managing to cope. She tells herself that the pills let her make it through her days…but what if her ever-increasing drug use, a habit that’s becoming expensive and hard to hide, is turning into her biggest problem of all? <br />
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<em>All Fall Down</em> is the story of a woman’s slide into addiction and struggle to find her way back up again. With a sparkling comedic touch and tender, true-to-life characterizations, this tale of empowerment and redemption is Jennifer Weiner’s most poignant, timely, and triumphant story yet. <br />
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<strong>The Vacationers, by Emma Straub</strong><br />
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<em>Amazon description: </em><strong>An irresistible, deftly observed novel about the secrets, joys, and jealousies that rise to the surface over the course of an American family’s two-week stay in Mallorca.</strong>For the Posts, a two-week trip to the Balearic island of Mallorca with their extended family and friends is a celebration: Franny and Jim are observing their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, and their daughter, Sylvia, has graduated from high school. The sunlit island, its mountains and beaches, its tapas and tennis courts, also promise an escape from the tensions simmering at home in Manhattan. But all does not go according to plan: over the course of the vacation, secrets come to light, old and new humiliations are experienced, childhood rivalries resurface, and ancient wounds are exacerbated.<br />
This is a story of the sides of ourselves that we choose to show and those we try to conceal, of the ways we tear each other down and build each other up again, and the bonds that ultimately hold us together. With wry humor and tremendous heart, Emma Straub delivers a richly satisfying story of a family in the midst of a maelstrom of change, emerging irrevocably altered yet whole.<br />
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I'm sure I will come across a ton more books to add to the pile! It is one of my absolute favorite things after all! How about you? What will you be reading at the cottage? In your backyard? On your way to work?Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-14792662418853344282014-06-03T01:30:00.000-07:002014-06-10T11:42:52.394-07:00Top 10 TuesdayHappy Tuesday! Welcome back to me! The last few weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind! Spent a few days in NYC, definately over did it! Being pregnant really slows a lady down and I was not going to let it apparently. Anyways, if you're pregnant, don't be dumb like me! Learn from my mistakes, listen to your body, you just have to live differently for 9 months ok! NYC is one of my absolute favorite places! We celebrated our one year anniversary in style, because we're going to be trapped at home for a while with our new little bundle! I am definitely not complaining about this and am so pumped for all of the snuggle time the next year has in store for me! <br />
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For today's Top 10 I thought I would share the Top 10 Wedding Songs! One of my absolute favorite parts about our wedding was how packed the dance floor was all night! We had the perfect combination of great DJ, amazing music, the bar, the photobooth and ice cream on the actual dance floor and all of the people we love most! If I could go back to any moment in time it would be then, it was so breath taking to look around and realize what was taking place! I love driving by the Markham Museum and being reminded of that feeling!<br />
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So, without further adieu, here is what I would make sure is on your list for 2014:<br />
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<li>All of Me - John Legend</li>
<li>Wannabe - Spice Girls (what a classic!) </li>
<li>Thriller - Michael Jackson</li>
<li>Story of my Life - One Direction</li>
<li>Timber - Kesha</li>
<li>Be Faithful - Fatman Scoop (one of the BEST songs to dance too!)</li>
<li>Wake Me Up - Avicii</li>
<li>Happy - Pharell</li>
<li>Not a Bad Thing - Justin Timberlake</li>
<li>Stay with Me - Sam Smith</li>
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Those would be my favorites for a summer wedding this year! Some classics and some new goodies, the best is when you have a great mix! What is your favorite song to dance to these days?!Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-17963091684213009782014-05-28T08:25:00.001-07:002014-05-28T08:25:37.796-07:00Weddi-quette Wednesday<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you ever look around and catch yourself in the comparison game? She has the best clothes, they have the best marriage, she has the best job, they have the nicest house, they go on the best trips etc, etc, etc. The list is endless. Gosh, sometimes it can be exhausting! At what point did we decide that we didn’t have enough? That our lives didn’t measure up? That everyone else had what we deemed necessary? Its pretty twisted to think about, when you stop to think about how little most people actually do have. I think it’s an easy trap to fall into, I will feel better if only….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve read a few very uplifting things lately, also been doing some soul searching and along with all of that three words continue to resonate. You are enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People often times have zero clue what is actually going on in your life, what is happening behind closed doors and what you’re feeling at any given time. Its pretty hard to compare yourself to others when you have no idea what their actual circumstance is, its also pretty hard to judge someone’s choices, for the same reason. Everyone has “stuff”, some people have more than others, some people deal with it gracefully and some people have no clue how to handle themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you’re in a relationship, especially a serious one, like a marriage, things come up. Things that need to be dealt with. You no longer just have your own stuff to deal with. You’ve made the commitment to deal with someone else’s too. Its no real secret that I’ve had a difficult year in terms of my career. I’ve had an amazing year in every single other aspect, but this has been like a dark cloud hanging over me. I’m sure that my husband didn’t want to hear me complain about the same things, I’m sure he didn’t bargain for the less then positive version of me that he married, and pregnancy hormones only made things worse, but he was steady and patient. He knew that one day I would come out of it (or I am sure prayed hard for that haha) I’m very good at placing blame on myself, often times for no reason. I will blame myself for others actions, I will blame myself for the way someone else is choosing to treat me, I will blame blame blame, until I feel like I’m good at just about nothing. My confidence is shot. I find myself wishing for that thing that would make me feel better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s the funny thing, the only thing that is going to make me feel better is me. I can’t change the way other people perceive me or choose to treat me. All I can do is treat people with kindness and compassion. All I can do is put my best foot forward. All I can do is continue to work on the relationship and things I really care about. I know I’ve chatted a lot about positivity and being thankful on this blog, I think that is one of the biggest secrets in life, once you figure out you are in control of all of that, life feels a lot more bearable. It feels more controlled. It also shows you pretty quickly that you are enough, you do enough and you have enough. People can think whatever they want about you, at the end of the day, you are who matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know if anyone reading this post today is having one of those days, but if you are, I’m telling you, you are enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-25143100072069936492014-05-27T10:45:00.001-07:002014-05-27T10:45:34.127-07:00Top 10 TuesdaySomehow another week completely escaped me! And a busy one it was! I got to see one of my all time favs last week, do stand up comedy. Chelsea Handler will forever remain a goddess in my eyes and getting to see her perform was truly amazing. She had me in stiches all night! I will also be starting a new path in my career and all of those decisions took place last week and did a GORGEOUS wedding on Saturday, so suffice to say I am ready for a nap! <br />
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Since finding out my little peanut is going to be a boy, I've been trying to wrap my head around what that's going to look like. I'm a girly girl, OK, the thought of whipping out some Barbies, paining nails, doing hair, telling secrets and watching chick flicks was what I've been picturing. I would like to state here I am in no way upset or disappointed I am having a boy. Not at all. Completely the opposite in fact. I am thrilled. This will give me the opportunity to immerse myself into the world of little boys, dirt, trucks, superhero's, bugs and lots of love for Mommy I hope! I am up for the challenge of raising a man and while I think I would excel with a little mini me, I know I will kick ass at being a boy Mom. My mini me day will come, I'm sure of it haha. <br />
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So I have been trying to give some real, serious thought to all of the things I want to instill in my little buddy, here are 10 of the goodies I've come up with:<br />
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1. Put the toliet seat down, this a pretty serious one. I am now outnumbered in our little home, so only I have the power to try to turn this around! Plus, his wife will thank me for that one! <br />
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2. Crying is ok. This is a big one because he is a boy. I understand that boys are supposed to be tough, but they also need to feel like being emotional is OK. They need just as many hugs and kisses as little girls, they need just as much adoration and attention and they need just as much acceptance. So, I want him to always be comfortable to tell us everything, no matter what! I never want feelings of shame to enter his mind if he is upset.<br />
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3. Explore. I want him to discover things on his own, whether that is the realization that his chubby little hands will indeed pick things up or that the world is a huge place, with so many places to see and things to do! <br />
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4. Always follow your heart and say a prayer. That will never steer you wrong.<br />
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5. Your actions are what define you. Not who you know, not how much money you have or what your social status is. Not what clothes you wear or cars you drive. How you treat people and who you chose to associate with says a lot about you, so chose wisely. <br />
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6. Pretty girls are a dime a dozen, find one that will stand by your side through anything, compliment your personality, can carry on a coversation, be your best friend and above all, make you laugh. Those qualities will make her the most beautiful woman in the world. <br />
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7. Chase your dreams, don't let anyone tell you that they are not worth while.<br />
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8. The only things in this life worth having, are things that you've earned and gotten with your own two hands.<br />
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9. Always call your parents to let them know how you are, your Mom will appreciate this more then you know. <br />
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10. This is your life, be active, love with your whole heart and find a little bit of happiness in every single day, even the though ones. Be thankful this is the life you've been given.<br />
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I'm sure there are hundreds more things that we want to teach him, that we hope he learns and exudes. What do you think, what are important values to you?? I love hearing other perspectives and values! Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-9797161282684830112014-05-15T11:13:00.000-07:002014-05-15T11:13:34.529-07:00Trendy ThursdayAnother whirlwind week is almost behind us, can't say I'm sad to see this one go though, that means its the long weekend! The beginning of summer feels so close :) So does my one year anniversary! I cannot believe one whole year has gone by and I can say without a doubt it has been the best year of my life.<br />
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You all know how I feel about marriage, I am very passionate on the subject and hold it very close to my heart. I have seen a post popping up all over the place recently about a woman that got married in the middle of going through chemotherapy. What a strong, beautiful person. I mean that could not have been an easy decision to make, she obviously had a ton of support and looks like the perfect day.<br />
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Check out the <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/washington-dc-weddings/2014/05/12/courageous-bride-proves-bald-is-beautiful/">article</a> to see what I mean. This is what its all about folks :)Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-2498013717076560922014-05-13T06:25:00.001-07:002014-05-13T06:25:08.852-07:00Its a....Well folks, I officially know what the newest addition to our little family in September will be! <br />
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We are going to have a sweet little boy! And we're over the moon! I always, truly thought I would have a little lady first, I'm quite the girly girl, if you haven't noticed, but am SO excited that I'm going to have a little buddy with me all the time! <br />
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We opted to do a cake reveal on Mother's Day with our families, which was such a special way to find out! We asked everyone to wear the colour they were guessing, as you can see, most guessed correctly! I feel so overwhelmed these days with love for my little guy. I am so happy we ended up finding out, believe me when I say it was so special and shocking, now I have 4 months to picture life with a little man and I couldn't be happier!<br />
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I hope everyone had a special Mother's Day!<br />
Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3920439204764306193.post-86966962714100063942014-05-09T08:31:00.000-07:002014-05-09T08:31:14.098-07:00The World's Toughest JobI have a special post planned for today, in honour of the special weekend ahead. Mother's Day, not unlike Father's Day, is always a special celebration. The people who brought you into this world and raised you deserve a little day all about them, don't ya think? <br />
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I recently saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf4U5xfirPY">this video</a> and of course, teared up. Mom's are amazing, am I right?? As I prepare for the "toughest job in the world" I have constantly been thinking about a million little things. What will my little peanut look like, sound like, act like? Will Peanut be hilarious like Dad? Sassy like Aunty Livs? Laid back like Aunt Michelle? Driven like Uncle Paul? Will Peanut get my Mom's huge heart? My Dad's fashion sense (maybe for the first few years) or his incredible dance moves? Maybe Peanut will be seriously orgainized like Grams! I hope Peanut takes a little bit from everyone, it really doesn't matter though, I will love him or her, no matter what. What will we be like as parents? That's a pretty huge jump to make, we're going from our cushy married life, which we LOVE, to our universe revolving around one little tiny human. There is no one I would rather be taking this leap with, I am completely confident this will be the best, craziest, hardest, most rewarding thing either of us will ever take on.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m officially over the half-way point and things are feeling more real by the day. I think finding out whether I will be having a son or daughter will really up the ante. Something I’ve been very cognoscente of recently are all of the other Mom’s that surround me. Friends, cousins, sister in laws, new mom’s, old mom’s and everything in between. I’ve always admired motherhood, always thought it was the best, most selfless job and couldn’t wait to jump on that train! As I look around my own life, I am constantly inspired by these Momma’s! So today’s post is for them. A thank you to all of the things they’ve taught me, whether they know it or not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would be remiss not to make a special note of my favorite Mom, my own. This woman is something else, I’m telling you. I know I’ve raved about her on this blog before, but she makes it easy. My Mom is the most selfless, beautiful, person in the entire world. She is going to be one tough act to follow, but I’ve been told all my life I am definitely “her daughter” – looks, mannerisms, likes, dislikes, almost everything, so I have hope. Hope that I will be as patient, make as much time for my kids, always think of new exciting things they may like, always have a yummy homemade dinner on the table. Hope that I will be as present, read as many stories, share as many laughs, start as many dance parties, tell as many secrets, that I will make a huge deal out of every holiday, birthday, celebration, random Friday night. This woman knows what life is all about, her family and friends. If you have the pleasure of knowing her, you know exactly what I am talking about. She just lights up every room, gives the best hugs and if you ask my husband, makes the best cookies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you all have someone out there to look up to the same way, it truly is a blessing. Happy Mother’s Day, to all you wonderful Mom’s, I hope you have the most amazing day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jessica Kavanaghhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15895543030961425175noreply@blogger.com0